Native American Law Student Association (NALSA)

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Constitution of the Native American Law Student Association

Preamble

We, the members of the Native American Law Students Association, do hereby establish this Constitution on March 30, 2021, in order that our goals and mission be accomplished to its fullest extent. This organization’s purpose shall be to support the recruitment of Native American, Indigenous, and non-Native ally students, faculty, and staff to join the WCL community.

Land Acknowledgement

The Native American Law Students Association acknowledges that Washington, D.C. sits on the ancestral lands of the Nacotchtank Indians (Anacostan Indians) who neighbored the Piscataway and Pamunkey peoples and that our law school is located near the Anacostan-controlled Soapstone Quarry, located in Van Ness. We recognize, support, and advocate for the Indigenous individuals and communities who live here now, and for those forcibly removed from their homelands. Throughout our programs’ curricula, we note the privileges we enjoy today because of colonialism, and we strive to not perpetuate colonial futurity.

Article I.

Name

The name of the organization will be “The Native American Law Students Association of American University Washington College of Law,” henceforth referred to as NALSA.

Article II.

Purpose

The goal and purpose of NALSA is to serve the beliefs and interests of Indigenous, Native Americans, and non-Native Americans of American University Washington College of Law, and to champion what matters at American University Washington College of Law. Towards this end, NALSA shall:

  1. Provide an inclusive social and supportive community to foster development rooted in the practices and beliefs of Native American and Indigenous Peoples
  2. Educate WCL administration and campus on the needs of its Native American and Indigenous student population
  3. Foster a community of mentorship and professional support for the Native American and Indigenous Student population
  4. Arrange consistent programming to participate actively in the intellectual, professional, and intersectional discourse within WCL
  5. Promote unity and take action on issues of importance to the Native American and Indigenous Student community and the greater WCL community
  6. Organize and hold celebratory events
  7. Develop programming for the instruction of teachings and practices for interested Native Americans, Indigenous, and non-Native or non-Indigenous Allies

Article III.

Membership

Section 1: General Membership

A. NALSA membership is open to all students, faculty, and staff enrolled or employed by American University Washington College of Law inclusive of membership in a Tribe or Nation, self-identification of Native American ancestry, American Indian identity, or any of the Indigenous Peoples of North, Central, and South America, especially those indigenous to what is now the continental U.S. and abroad.

B. This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, caregiver status, or veteran status. This policy will include, but not limited to recruiting, membership, organization activities, or opportunities to hold office. Non-students may act as associate members, but may not vote or hold office.

Article VI.

Officers

Section 1: Purpose any officer of NALSA in violation of the organization’s purpose, Constitution, or WCL Honor Code, or who fails to fulfill duties as stated may be removed from office.

Section 2: Officer Positions

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • Communications Director
  • CDIEJ Chair
  • Sustainability Director

Section 3: Removal Process

A. Initiation. A written request by at least three members of the organization is required to start the removal proceedings. The officer must receive notice of the removal proceedings, the officer must also be present at the removal meeting.

B. Voting. Written removal requests must be presented to the membership as well as information on the method of voting for removal via an electronic voting mechanism, open for voting for a minimum of 24 hours. A simple majority of the total cast votes is required for removal.

Article VII.

Elections

A. Election of Officers

  • The elected officers of this organization are President and Vice President.
  • Officers will be elected annually by written ballot, with each active member casting a vote. A simple majority of votes will constitute a victory.
  • Election of officers will take place during the first week of April in alignment with the SBA Groups & Organizations Handbook. Campaigns will only last for a period of two weeks.
  • Officers will assume office for a period of one year.
  • All other positions will be determined via an application process

Article VIII.

Amendments

Section 1. Proposing Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed in writing by any members of NALSA. The Amendment proposals must be submitted in the Fall by November 15th and in the Spring until March 15th. The President will notify members in writing of a meeting to be held no later than one month after the proposal is received.

Section 2. Proposed amendments will become effective upon a simple majority of the members present for the vote.

Article IX.

Statement of Compliance with Campus and SBA Regulations

Section 1. This organization shall comply with all university and campus policies and regulations and local, state, and federal laws. This organization shall comply with all SBA policies and procedures.